100 Women We Love

100 Women We Love: Class of 2009

Once again, we celebrate our favorite out and proud women. As difficult as it is to narrow it down to just 100, this year’s eclectic list includes artists, athletes, club promoters, community organizers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, politicians and plaintiffs, who are making a difference in our world and the world at large.

Portia DeRossi

Portia DeRossi was born Amanda Lee Rogers but changed her name at age 15 in a move she now relates to her struggle with being gay. “Everything just didn’t fit, and I was trying to find things I could identify myself with, and it started with my name,” DeRossi told the Advocate. In the 20 years since, she has become a celebrated actress and a cast member of such award-winning shows as Ally McBeal, Arrested Development and Nip/Tuck. Last August, DeRossi and long-time girlfriend Ellen DeGeneres tied the knot in California to become the world’s most famous lesbian married couple. Now working on a new show, Better Off Ted, DeRossi has found time to shoot a Public Service Announcement in which she mock-apologizes to the people who were hurt by her marriage to Ellen, including a woman whose “pro-H8” signs gave her paper cuts. -CM

Remember, these are in no particular order because we love them all!

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